Pistons Outfox Knicks in Playoff Tactics Amid Series Tie

DETROIT — In a tightly contested playoff series, the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks are adjusting strategies in response to each other’s tactics. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff‘s recent decision to have center Jalen Duren guard Josh Hart has exposed a weakness in the Knicks’ lineup. Instead of Duren covering the known threat, Karl-Anthony Towns, Bickerstaff has had Tobias Harris, a 6-foot-8 forward, take on the challenge.

This shift has enabled Duren to stay closer to the basket, protecting the rim and doubling on drives by Jalen Brunson and Towns. ‘When they do that, it’s different,’ Brunson said. ‘It doesn’t matter who’s on who. We’ve just got to attack what we see is an advantage for us.’

Despite Duren leaving Hart, the Knicks’ poorest three-point shooter, open at times, it has not paid off yet. Hart has only made two out of three attempts in the series, while Duren’s defensive coverage remains unchanged. Earlier seasons showed Duren struggling more when forced to guard Towns, who averaged four 3-point attempts per game against the Pistons.

Interestingly, the current setup has allowed the quicker Harris to limit Towns’ efficiency. In two playoff games, Towns has made just one of five three-point attempts after hitting seven of 16 in regular-season contests against Detroit. Still, Towns boasts a high shooting percentage from inside, making 10 of 12 shots from within eight feet. ‘I let the defense tell me [what to do],’ Towns said. ‘I’m always trying to get involved as much as possible.’

Further complicating matters for Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau is the option to provide Immanuel Quickley or Deuce McBride increased minutes to balance out the shooting while not losing rebounding power. The Pistons have out-rebounded the Knicks by a margin of 15 across the two playoff games.

Detroit’s strategy is not without precedent; several teams have adapted this tactic during the season. ‘We’ve seen that all year, so it’s not anything new,’ Thibodeau acknowledged. ‘What do you learn from the game? And then move it forward.’

The Knicks rallied in the fourth quarter of Game 1, pulling off a comeback win with Brunson contributing significantly despite a prior injury scare. Bickerstaff’s adjustments may cause further shifts as the series continues.’